Category Archives: “Downrange”

A Change in Tactics

Posted on Tue, 25 April 2017 by Chris Penningroth

Apparently A-10 “Warthogs” dealing out death from the skies to bad guys wasn’t enough. The quote of the week:  “When God sends a Plague of Wild Boars against you, he’s done sending messages, and is now sending armored bacon.” [Emphasis … Continue reading →

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Overdue Recognition as an Era Closes

Posted on Sat, 17 December 2011 by Chris Penningroth

How One Soldier\’s Strategy Turned Tide in Iraq — 20111215 CBS News It’s been a long time since I went back here, five years ago. I felt like I had to do so. I’d like to thank CBS News for … Continue reading →

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Returned To Base

Posted on Sat, 28 June 2008 by Chris Penningroth

     I’ve done a reverse MacArthur.  I have returned from the Philippines.       As it happened, I rolled home and straight into an exercise! I’d like to say I swapped my ‘Battle Rattle’ for a chemical defense ensemble, but rather … Continue reading →

Posted in "Downrange", F-16 Operations, USAF | 1 Comment

Revisiting Ramadi

Posted on Sun, 01 June 2008 by Chris Penningroth

     I received an informative article awhile back from Mr Gary Patriquin, father of my late friend CPT Travis Patriquin (the author of the PowerPoint slideshow How to Win in Anbar).  If you’d like to know how the West was won, … Continue reading →

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Boodle Fights and Dead Gecko Coffee

Posted on Sun, 01 June 2008 by Chris Penningroth

     Today my colleagues and I were invited to a Boodle Fight with some of our host-nation counterparts.  The Boodle Fight is a tradition in this country that builds esprit de corps (team-building, in modern business parlance).  I’m not sure how far it … Continue reading →

Posted in "Downrange", Food | 5 Comments

Cobra Quest Paused

Posted on Thu, 29 May 2008 by Chris Penningroth

     Some of my friends were not too far away from this event.  They’re alright.  They couldn’t tell me which of these reports about the event were correct.       I think I’ll be redirecting my search efforts. 

Posted in "Downrange", Asia/Pacific, Military Affairs | 1 Comment

Arachnophobia

Posted on Wed, 21 May 2008 by Chris Penningroth

     I was on my way into one of the buildings with some other folks here when I espied this spider.  As best I could tell it was an argiope spider.  This one was about as big as my outstretched … Continue reading →

Posted in "Downrange", Asia/Pacific | 2 Comments

Looking for Wildlife

Posted on Fri, 02 May 2008 by Chris Penningroth

     I’m the type of guy who doesn’t shy away from wildlife, no matter how wild the life.  If a trail at a national park says to "Beware of mountain lions," it’s a pretty safe bet that you’ll find me … Continue reading →

Posted in "Downrange", Hunting | 4 Comments

The Best Thing About This Tour

Posted on Tue, 22 April 2008 by Chris Penningroth

     The best thing about this deployment was meeting this guy:                    . . . At least according to him! You know how these young folks can be brash sometimes.      You’re doing … Continue reading →

Posted in "Downrange", USAF | 3 Comments

Battle Rattle

Posted on Mon, 07 April 2008 by Chris Penningroth

     I’ve found it nearly completely unnecessary to wear this stuff in the current theater.  The primary danger is from pickpockets.        I can’t believe I traded in a G-suit for kevlar! Update 11 Apr 2008:  Due to popular … Continue reading →

Posted in "Downrange", Military Affairs, USAF | 3 Comments